Inspiration

Honoring the Neshamah: Mitzvot to Commemorate the Departed

Rachel Kor September 5, 2024

In Jewish tradition, honoring the neshamah (soul) of the departed is a deeply meaningful practice. These mitzvot and customs not only commemorate the deceased but also help elevate their soul and create an enduring connection with the living.

We carefully selected mitzvot that we believe are meaningful yet manageable, without feeling overwhelming or daunting. The goal is to encourage people to engage in acts of kindness, prayer, or spiritual devotion in a way that feels accessible to them. Whether it’s something small or more involved, the most important aspect is the intention behind the act. Performing a mitzvah in honor of someone who has passed away not only brings merit to their soul but also allows you to carry forward their legacy in a way that resonates with your own life. Each mitzvah, no matter the size, is a powerful way to honor their memory and make a lasting impact.

Below are some significant ways to honor the neshamah of someone who has passed through mitzvot.

1. Lighting Shabbat candles

2. Putting up a mezuzah

3. Putting on tefillin

4. Observing Jewish holidays

5. Wearing tzitzit

6. Saying Shema and Shemoneh Esreh

7. Visiting the sick

8. Studying Torah for 10 minutes

9. Welcoming guests into your home

10. Making a bracha before eating

11. Keeping Shabbat

12. Giving tzedakah

Honoring the neshamah through these mitzvot and customs not only keeps a person’s memory alive but also provides spiritual merit and comfort to those who mourn. By integrating these practices into your life, you continue to connect with the departed and ensure their soul is uplifted and celebrated.

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